Pedestrian plan for Green ‘a huge concern’

BUSINESS owners opposing plans to pedestrianise Clerkenwell Green will meet with Town Hall representatives next week to lay out their objections.

Under the proposals, released last week, all 42 parking bays would be removed and see the road leading to Seckforde Street and Aylesbury Street become access-only to vehicles, and traffic from Farringdon Lane directed down Clerkenwell Close.

This week, the owner of the Horseshoe pub in Clerkenwell Close said the plans will see heavy traffic directed down her narrow road affecting her business as well as the lives of those in a nearby estate.

“We’ve been there 30 years and we have a huge concern,” said publican Pauline Tucker. “This area is very densely populated. They [the council] are not taking concern of the children from Pea­body flats – they won’t be able to cross the road safely to get to school and the sweet shop.”

Owner of Scotti’s snack bar in Clerkenwell Green, Al Scotti, says the lack of parking space will force him to shutter up shop. Mr Scott has organised a meeting for concerned business owners to meet with a Town Hall worker in charge of economic development on Tuesday.

But others have welcomed the move, including members of The Friends of Clerkenwell Green who say the plans will “rejuvenate” the space.